Ultrasonic tissue characterization parameter presentations in three dimensions.

Ultrasonic tissue characterization based on spectrum analysis of radio-frequency (rf) echo signals is proving to be clinically useful in ophthalmology and abdominal studies. Parameters computed using spectrum analysis can be theoretically related to scattering properties of tissue such as scatterer size and impedance and therefore to histology. Such parameters can also be correlated empirically with clinical features, histopathology, treatment history, etc. They appear to be useful for clinical evaluation of disease, particularly detecting, diagnosing, staging, and monitoring cancer. Although parameters can be presented graphically or numerically, two-dimensional parameter images significantly facilitate the interpretation provided by tissue characterization. The portrayal of parameters in three dimensions further enhances the visualization of parameter distributions, and provides an even more powerful tool for tissue evaluation. In addition, three-dimensional (3-D) presentations of the surfaces of tissue structures permit assessment of spatial relationships and quantitative estimation of volume. These methods have been applied fruitfully in a number of medical applications, including evaluation of intraocular tumors, cancers of the liver, clots and thrombi, skin lesions, and prostate tissue. [This research has been supported by NIH Grants EY01212, EY01480, CA38400, and RR05853.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]